The Supreme Court of India on Friday ordered the immediate seizure of physical copies and the removal of digital versions of a Class 8 social science textbook published by the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT).
The directive relates to a chapter discussing “corruption in the judiciary,” which the court said could undermine public confidence in the institution.
A bench led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M. Pancholi, also issued show-cause notices to the NCERT director and the Secretary of the Department of School Education. The court asked why criminal contempt proceedings should not be initiated against them.
Court Calls Content a ‘Calculated Move’
The bench observed that the inclusion of the chapter appeared to be a “calculated move” and a “deep-rooted conspiracy” to malign the judiciary.
Despite an apology conveyed in court by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, and a prior expression of regret by NCERT regarding the “inappropriate material,” the court said the official notice lacked a clear and unconditional apology.
“We have seen the NCERT notice… there seems no remorse but justification,” the bench remarked, adding that the matter extended beyond classroom instruction.
The judges expressed concern that the narrative could shape perceptions not only among students but also teachers and parents, especially as excerpts were circulating online.
Immediate Ban on Production and Distribution
In its written order, the court said it was “shocked” by media reports regarding the February 2026 publication titled Exploring Society: India and Beyond. While acknowledging that legitimate critique of institutions is permissible, the bench emphasised that the content, in its current form, appeared biased and incomplete.
The court noted that the chapter highlighted complaints against judges without adequately addressing the judiciary’s role in upholding constitutional principles, protecting fundamental rights, and ensuring access to justice.
On a prima facie assessment, the bench held that the material, read alongside the administrative response defending it, suggested an attempt to undermine the institutional authority and dignity of the judiciary.
The court ordered:
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Immediate removal of all physical and digital copies from public access
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A complete ban on further production and distribution
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Seizure of already distributed copies
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A compliance report from the NCERT director
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Directions to state education departments to ensure the book is not used in instruction
The court warned that any continued circulation would constitute a wilful breach of its order.
Possible Criminal Contempt Proceedings
The bench stated that exposing students “in their formative years” to what it described as a one-sided narrative could have lasting consequences for public trust in judicial independence.
It observed that the conduct may fall within the ambit of criminal contempt if it is found to scandalise the institution or interfere with the administration of justice.
Additionally, the NCERT director has been directed to provide details of the National Syllabi Board members involved in drafting the chapter, along with minutes of relevant meetings.
Next Hearing Scheduled
The matter is scheduled for further hearing next month. The outcome could have significant implications for academic content oversight, institutional accountability, and the boundaries between legitimate critique and contempt of court.
